Articles tagged with Radiology
A new treatment using intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres has shown promising results in extending the lives of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with portal vein thrombosis. The treatment offers a minimally invasive option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Researchers developed percutaneous soft tissue cryotherapy as an effective treatment for cancer that has metastasized in soft tissues and bones. The procedure resulted in an average of 77% tumor shrinkage in patients after 24 months, with preserved fibrous or collagenous structures promoting better healing.
Researchers successfully froze breast cancer in patients who refused surgery, with no localized treatment recurrences seen for up to five years and no significant complications noted. The study used image-guided, multiprobe cryotherapy, which provided safe and effective breast conservation with minimal discomfort.
Researchers have developed a novel interventional radiology treatment called nanoembolization, which uses gold nanoparticles to kill cancer cells. The treatment involves injecting the nanoparticles directly into tumors via an artery near the tumor site, bypassing scar tissue that blocks traditional treatments.
Michael C. Soulen, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, received the prestigious Dr. Charles T. Dotter Lecture honor for his seminal contributions to interventional oncology. Soulen has also made significant research in interventional radiology, publishing nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles.
A global study indicates that uterine fibroid embolization has a comparable fertility rate to myomectomy, the gold standard surgical treatment, for women seeking to conceive. The procedure showed a 58.1% fertility rate, similar to myomectomy's 57% success rate.
Drug-eluting stents have shown promising results in treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with critical limb ischemia, rivaling bypass surgery in primary patency rates of up to 81.8% and freedom from major amputation of up to 90.6%. The treatment offers a safe and effective solution for tiny blocked arteries below the knee.
A study of 792 patients with multiple myeloma found that vertebroplasty significantly reduced pain intensity, medication usage, and disability. The procedure improved mobility in nearly half of the patients, who also reported considering vertebroplasty again if needed.
A study of nearly 1,500 patients over seven years found that vertebroplasty significantly improves back pain within hours and provides long-term pain relief. Collaboration between interventional radiologists and medical experts is crucial for the best results.
Researchers found that abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) test results are prevalent among individuals not considered high risk for coronary heart disease by Framingham risk score. This simple test can help identify those who may be at risk for future heart attacks, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A new cerebral protection device has been shown to effectively reduce particles released during carotid stenting procedures, preventing strokes. The Mo.Ma device provides an alternative to surgery for stroke prevention, with a low major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event rate of 2.7%.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new interventional radiology tool showing promise in treating uterine fibroids, offering lasting relief from symptoms without surgery. In a study of over 100 patients, women experienced significant improvement in symptoms, with 90% reporting considerable or excellent relief.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Press has released an updated edition of 'Patient Care in Vascular and Interventional Radiology,' a 448-page resource covering major aspects of patient care. The new edition is complemented by a study guide, presenting questions and detailed answers for continuing medical education.
A large academic medical center found that a significant percentage of outpatient referrals for CT and MRI studies from primary care physicians were inappropriate. The study, performed at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, included medical records from 459 elective outpatient CT and MR examinations.
A recent study found that embedding clinical images in radiology reports enhances communication between radiologists and referring physicians, leading to improved patient care. The study, which included 35 cases of abdominal CT scans, showed that attaching relevant images to the report helped make management decisions more confident an...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that PET scanner ownership by non-radiologists has significantly increased, outpacing radiologist-owned scans. This trend contributes to unnecessary imaging utilization and increased costs.
A new study published in Radiology shows that an imaging exam using the latest generation of CT technology exposes patients to up to 91% less radiation than standard helical CT scanning. The new volume scanner can image the entire heart in one piece, eliminating artifacts and reducing radiation exposure.
Researchers used contrast-enhanced MRI to differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, finding a significant difference in perfusion after 15 minutes. The study suggests that contrast-enhanced MRI could play a key role in targeted therapies for each condition.
A randomized multicenter study of 190 patients shows stent grafts are more effective in treating blocked access in kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The study found nearly 51% of dialysis accesses remained open at six months with stent grafts, compared to just 23% with balloon angioplasties.
The National Institutes of Health is implementing a system to track radiation dose exposure from medical imaging tests, aiming to determine potential cancer risks. The electronic medical record will store and retrieve reports on radiation doses, allowing for the collection of data necessary to assess cancer risk.
Researchers may use epigenetics to assess potential harm from CT scans and other low-dose radiation. The study's author argues that future trends in diseases could be linked to current CT usage.
The study found that videoconferencing enabled successful completion of education programs for radiology trainees in remote locations, removing the need for travel and increasing participation rates. Satisfaction with course content and delivery was high among participants.
A study published in Radiology found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC), or virtual colonoscopy, is a safe and effective screening tool for older adults. The advanced neoplastic prevalence was 7.6 percent, with no significant difference in accuracy compared to younger patients.
A study found that preoperative computed tomography (CT) use among women of reproductive age coincided with a significant decrease in negative appendectomies. The increased utilization of CT and advances in technology led to improved diagnosis and reduced false-positive diagnoses, resulting in lower unnecessary surgeries.
A new method developed by Mayo Clinic and IBM uses analytics technology to detect brain aneurysms with a 95% accuracy rate, compared to 70% for manual interpretation. The system can identify images in 3-5 minutes, improving efficiency and saving radiologists' time.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that acute adverse reactions from gadolinium-based contrast agents used during MRI are rare, occurring in only 0.16 percent of all administrations. The majority of reactions were mild, while six moderate and two severe reactions were reported.
Researchers found that handheld devices like PDAs and iPod Touch can display medical images accurately, comparable to secondary monitors, with significant benefits for teleconsultation and emergency procedures.
The Institute of Medicine recommends stricter resident duty hour regulations to reduce fatigue-related errors and ensure patient safety. The new guidelines focus on regular sleep opportunities for residents, rather than reducing maximum weekly work hours.
A study found that emergency physicians and radiologists overwhelmingly prefer CT scans for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, citing its high accuracy and ease of access. However, approaches differ in imaging pregnant patients with radiation concerns.
A study found that ultrasound-guided cortisone injections showed a clinically significant improvement in pain level for 72% of patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy. Patients were satisfied with the results, making this treatment method a promising option for treating severe hip pain.
A randomized study found that percutaneous disc decompression provides sustained pain relief up to two years, while conservative therapy only offers short-term benefits. Disc decompression involves deflating the bulging disc and relieving nerve root pressure, allowing for improved mobility and quality of life.
Researchers found that a combination of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and low-dose CT provided accurate diagnoses with high sensitivity and specificity. The study suggests that this technique may improve patient outcomes by reducing the mortality rate associated with untreated pulmonary embolism.
A large proportion of patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic CT scans receive unindicated and unnecessary additional image acquisition, leading to excess radiation exposure. The mean excess radiation dose per patient from unnecessary scans was found to be 11.3 millisieverts.
A study found that using smartphones with special software to view CT scans allowed radiologists to accurately diagnose acute appendicitis. The technique, which uses encrypted wireless networks and OsiriX Mobile software, showed promising results in a small sample of patients.
A study found that middle-aged men and women who engage in high levels of physical activity are at greater risk for developing knee abnormalities and osteoarthritis. High-impact activities like running and jumping carry a greater risk, while low-impact activities like swimming and cycling may protect against disease.
The Image Sharing Demonstration at RSNA 2009 showcases methods for sharing images, reports, and medical history to enhance patient care in radiology. The project aims to enable 'meaningful use' of electronic health records and improve interoperability between medical institutions.
Computerized provider order entry/decision support systems offer an education-focused method of utilization management, tracking physician performance and comparing scores to peers. This approach has been shown to reduce imaging utilization by 2.75%, 1.2%, and 1.3% for CT, MRI, and ultrasound respectively.
A study published in JACR found that on-call radiology residents can accurately interpret emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours. The accuracy of image interpretation is crucial for diagnostic radiology, with clinicians relying solely on preliminary interpretations to make treatment decisions.
A new medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI has been found to identify pelvic organ prolapse in women with lower urinary tract symptoms. The condition can go undiagnosed due to its lack of symptoms at rest, but becomes apparent when the patient strains.
A new study published in Radiology found that using standardized words and phrases from a pull-down menu actually decreased the completeness and accuracy of radiology reports. Researchers tested two groups of residents on different reporting methods, finding that structured software resulted in less complete and accurate reports.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment was lifesaving in 86.5% of cases studied and had only a 2.4% chance of major complications.
Researchers found that patients are dissatisfied with the current system of receiving radiology test results, citing long delays and lack of detail. The study suggests that patients would prefer to have secure online access to their medical records, including detailed results, to improve their care experience.
Residents can educate Congress, medical community, and public about CTC efficacy and importance of radiologist training. They are urged to support Medicare coverage and become proficient in performing and interpreting CTC during residency.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that hospitals using more in-patient diagnostic imaging exams had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates without a corresponding increase in costs. The study analyzed data from over 100 hospitals and more than 1 million patient outcomes, suggesting...
A Stanford study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy can save lives in people with massive blood clots in their lungs. The treatment was effective in 86.5% of cases and appeared to be safer than existing treatments.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that CT scans are more effective than standard X-rays in detecting abnormalities in patients with the H1N1 virus. The extent of disease was better characterized on CT scans, making them a superior imaging modality for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that modifying risk factors through healthy lifestyle changes remains vital to combating peripheral arterial disease. While some patients with blocked leg arteries may not exhibit symptoms, early detection and treatment are still essential to prevent progression and potential complications.
A study found that lung scintigraphy is more reliable than CTA for diagnosing and excluding pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients. Lung scintigraphy produces better diagnostic quality images more often than CTA, particularly due to hemodynamic effects of pregnancy.
A new scale, the Duke Abdominal Assessment Scale (DAAS), helps clinicians determine disease severity and need for surgery in infants with NEC. The DAAS provides a standardized 10-point radiographic scale that increases with disease severity, enabling earlier detection of patients at risk for developing severe NEC.
The use of external teleradiology services (EOTSs) has slowed in recent years, contradicting predictions of market expansion. Many radiology practices that initially adopted EOTSs have since stopped using them, suggesting a possible decline in their widespread adoption.
Researchers have found that patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications, including pulmonary embolism. Imaging studies may need to be repeated in severely ill patients to monitor disease progression.
Researchers have found that severe H1N1 cases are associated with an increased risk of developing acute pulmonary embolism. A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology used CT scans to identify patients at risk, highlighting the importance of monitoring for this serious complication.
Researchers used medical imaging to identify a severe case of H1N1 after a negative nasal swab test. CT scans revealed peripheral ground-glass opacities, which raised suspicion of the virus and were later confirmed as a cause of death. The study suggests that early CT scans may help clinicians recognize cases of severe influenza.
Researchers explore image-guided interventional radiology procedures as a central role in treating DVT. These techniques aim to eliminate blood clots completely, potentially improving patient outcomes and preventing long-term complications. A national clinical trial is underway to confirm the effectiveness of this approach.
A minimally invasive procedure called CT-guided tube pericardiostomy has been found to be just as effective as surgical drainage in treating pericardial effusion, with a significant cost savings of 89%. This treatment method spares patients from recovery time and reduces the risk associated with invasive surgery.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.
Researchers developed a modified catheter with side holes and slits to reduce the force of contrast material exiting the end hole. The study found a nine to 30 percent reduction in velocity and a more cloud-like dispersal of contrast material, resulting in improved patient safety.
A survey of 374 radiologists found that increased use of radiological imaging is driven by new technology, patient informedness, and lower physician tolerances for uncertainty. This can lead to unnecessary investigations, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs.
Radiologists and medical physicists have implemented low-dose protocols and tracking systems to reduce cumulative ionizing radiation exposure. The Radiological Society of North America has launched initiatives to raise awareness of radiation risks and explore opportunities to improve patient safety through partnerships with the America...
Researchers have identified a new treatment option for patients with ruptured brain aneurysms using stent-assisted coil embolization, which was successful in 72% of cases. The procedure offers an alternative to surgical repair or balloon-assisted embolization, particularly for wide-necked aneurysms.